EU, U.S. To Expand Sanctions Against Belarus
March 24, 2006
Police breaking up Minsk rally early on March 24 (epa)
European Union leaders said the March 19 election, which gave Lukashenka a third term, was "fundamentally flawed." They announced "restrictive measures" against Belarusian officials, including Lukashenka.
Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik of Austria, which currently holds the EU rotating presidency, called on Belarusian authorities to immediately release protesters detained today when police broke up their vigil in central Minsk.
"We have demanded an immediate release of all those detained [protesters], and we are calling on Belarus authorities to refrain from any further action against peaceful protests," she said.
The United States said it would impose "targeted travel restrictions and financial sanctions.”
Despite today's arrests, opposition leader Alyaksandr Milinkevich vowed protesters will hold a rally tomorrow as planned.
(compiled from agency reports)
See also:
Interview: Is This The End Of The Election Protests?